Are We There Yet? Navigating the Covid-19 Status of the Philippines

/ Sean Largo

When boredom strikes while traveling, kids commonly said the phrase, “Are we there yet?” This becomes a common phrase that literally irritates the adults and usually, they’ll be answered with, “Not yet”, “soon”, “just a little patience” or any same likely phrase that may pacify tired little bodies. However, there comes a time in history, not just in the Philippines but the world as a whole wherein the same question was asked by almost everyone. “Are we there yet?”

The onset of COVID-19 which was only acknowledged in Manila, Philippines as a pandemic last March 6, 2020, marks the beginning of a very rigorous torture for the Filipinos. Like a relationship, it started with a confirmed case of an infected Chinese woman from Wuhan visiting the country who died 2 days later in San Lazaro Hospital in Metro Manila. The first recorded case in Cebu was on February 5, 2020. From then on, things escalated quickly. By April of the same year, there had been a surge of confirmed cases in densely populated areas in Cebu resulting in a massive lockdown. Life became so complicated that each person seemed to be on its own prison cell. Trust no one - each on his own with regard to hygiene. Always assume that the person around might be infected and you’ll be next. Everyone is on the run to protect their lives. Life becomes an unseen chaos for we all deal with the same dilemma. The year seemed to pass too slowly. The “ayuda” that the government provides depletes its resources drastically. There had been qualms on what the future holds and when it will last. Problems in different aspects in life just seemed to sprout like weeds, with depression and panic attacks being on top of the list of health problems aside from the covid 19 confirmed and suspected cases. Everyone is on edge.

It was February 23, 2021, when the Philippines purchased 25 million doses of Sinovac, thus kicking off the implementation phase of the vaccination program by the DOH. There’s been a clamor as to the effectiveness of the vaccine. But like a lifeline, people clung to it as the source of hope - that at last, they’ll be free from this prison cell. As of December 1, 2022, we are declared here in Lapu-Lapu as belonging to the alert 1 level: Under Alert Level 1, the IATF said there are no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities. Everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities. Much to the relief of adults and children alike.

So, if we are to be asked, “Are we there yet towards complete immunity?” The answer is more profoundly said in Filipino: Malayo pa, pero malayo na.

From Crises to Courage: Lapu-Lapu City's Battle Against COVID-19

/ Schinker Pahugot

In the midst of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, Lapu-Lapu City emerged as a shining example of resilience and hope. Despite facing numerous challenges, this Philippine city made remarkable progress in its efforts to contain the virus and safeguard its citizens. Lapu-Lapu City’s response to the epidemic serves as a model for the rest of the world, showcasing a combination of proactive measures, community involvement, and the unwavering spirit of its residents. When the outbreak initially hit, Lapu-Lapu City encountered unprecedented difficulties, much like many other places worldwide. However, the city’s administration wasted no time in recognizing the gravity of the situation and swiftly implemented precautionary measures. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and the business sector, they established well-equipped testing facilities, quarantine centers, and isolation units to effectively manage COVID-19 cases. Stringent health regulations were put in place to ensure public safety. The city embraced a “new normal” mindset that prioritized both public health and economic recovery, implementing measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, physical distancing, and regular sanitation efforts in public spaces.

As vaccine availability became widespread, Lapu-Lapu City launched an extensive immunization campaign. The local administration went above and beyond to address any vaccine hesitancy and educate residents about the importance of getting vaccinated. They implemented an efficient registration and scheduling system, leveraging technology and community engagement to ensure eligible residents could receive their shots without delay. Recognizing the potential of the private sector to expedite the vaccination campaign, the city collaborated with companies to set up vaccination stations in various commercial buildings. This approach enabled a larger portion of the population to be reached, accelerating the city’s transition towards a safer future.

Lapu-Lapu City’s journey from crises to courage is a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people. Through their collective efforts, the smart alliance between Lapu-Lapu City and health professionals played a crucial role in achieving herd immunity. As the pandemic unfolded, the city understood the importance of being prepared for future health emergencies. Collaborating with health experts, the local government developed a comprehensive pandemic preparedness strategy, drawing from the lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis. This strategy involved stockpiling essential medical supplies, establishing a reliable communication system, and conducting regular drills to test emergency response procedures. It was a proactive approach aimed at ensuring the city’s readiness to tackle any future health crisis.

However, the success in overcoming the pandemic would not have been possible without the active participation of the citizens of Lapu-Lapu

City. The city fostered a sense of communal accountability and community spirit, inspiring residents to take various actions to protect one another from COVID-19. Numerous volunteer and grassroots organizations emerged during this time, providing assistance to vulnerable individuals and families affected by the pandemic. These selfless volunteers cooked meals for frontline workers, delivered essential supplies, and even arranged telemedicine treatments for those unable to access medical facilities. Recognizing the importance of accurate information dissemination, Lapu-Lapu City prioritized keeping its residents well-informed. The local administration launched a relentless campaign to dispel rumors and arm citizens with reliable information. Regular updates from health officials served as a lifeline, guiding residents and empowering them to make informed decisions to safeguard their health and the well-being of their loved ones. These updates covered everything from infection rates to the latest scientific findings.

In addition to public health concerns, Lapu-Lapu City also placed great emphasis on economic recovery. The city understood the significance of restoring livelihoods and worked diligently towards this goal. By adopting a holistic approach, Lapu-Lapu City ensured that both the health and economic well-being of its residents were prioritized.

In an effort to help local businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic, the city stepped in to lend a hand. They provided targeted financial aid, tax breaks, and streamlined business registration procedures to help these establishments get back on their feet and rehire their staff who had been let go during the worst of the pandemic.

Lapu-Lapu City’s brave battle against Covid-19 was well-documented in 2022.

The city made significant progress in mitigating the impact of the virus through a combination of preventive measures, a successful vaccination campaign, community involvement, and a strong sense of unity. The triumph over the virus in Lapu-Lapu City is a testament to what can be achieved when people from all walks of life come together with the government and private sector to tackle a major problem. As the world grapples with the complexities of the pandemic, Lapu-Lapu City stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even the most formidable adversaries can be overcome with determination and cooperation. The lessons learned from Lapu-Lapu City’s success will undoubtedly resonate for years to come as other communities face their own battles.